AAA Releases Top Labor Day Destinations

Whether it’s an Alaska cruise, Florida theme park or Broadway show, many Americans are squeezing in one final trip before summer ends. Seattle, Orlando and New York City are the most popular U.S. destinations this Labor Day weekend, according to AAA booking data. And there’s good news for domestic travelers: Flights, hotels and car rentals are cheaper than this time last year.

“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “While some families are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.” 

Labor Day Weekend Travel Costs

Domestic roundtrip flights are 6% cheaper compared to last Labor Day weekend, according to AAA booking data. Hotel rates decreased by 11% and car rental costs are 3% lower compared to last year.

Summer fuel prices have remained low, matching summer averages in 2021. As of Aug. 18, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Massachusetts is 36 cents cheaper than this time last year. Gas prices have seen relatively few fluctuations this year, thanks in part to steady crude oil prices. Barring a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last Labor Day.

Internationally, hotels cost 2% less than last year, while flight costs are up 8%, AAA booking data shows. European cities make up most of AAA’s top international destinations, but the No. 1 spot belongs to Vancouver, Canada, as Alaska cruises wrap up a strong season.

AAA’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car Over Labor Day Weekend 

For road trips, it’s best to leave before lunchtime this Labor Day weekend, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights. AAA car rental partner Hertz expects Friday, Aug. 29, to be the busiest day to pick up rental cars. INRIX expects Saturday, Aug. 30, to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips. So, it’s best to leave before 10 a.m. — or plan to encounter some traffic.

SOURCE: INRIX

AAA roadside technicians responded to more than 380,000 calls for service nationwide last Labor Day weekend, primarily for dead batteries and flat tires. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit complete with jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, extra phone chargers, food, water and medications. Especially over the busy holiday weekend, AAA urges drivers to obey all traffic laws and Slow Down, Move Over, especially emergency responders. Drivers who plan on consuming alcohol or cannabis should designate a sober driver.

Mark Schieldrop

Mark Schieldrop is a senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. Based in Rhode Island, Mark is regularly interviewed on topics ranging from travel to traffic safety and is also a certified child passenger safety technician.